Definition

What is hip labral tear?

A hip labral tear involves the ring of cartilage (labrum) that follows the outside rim of the socket of your hip joint. In addition to cushioning the hip joint, the labrum acts like a rubber seal or gasket to help hold the ball at the top of your thighbone securely within your hip socket.

How common is hip labral tear?

Hip labral tear is extremely common in athletes. Please discuss with your doctor for further information.

Symptoms

What are the symptoms of hip labral tear?

Many hip labral tears cause no signs or symptoms. Occasionally, however, you may experience one or more of the following:

A locking, clicking or catching sensation in your hip joint

Pain in your hip or groin

Stiffness or limited range of motion in your hip joint

There may be some symptoms not listed above. If you have any concerns about a symptom, please consult your doctor.

When should I see my doctor?

If you have any signs or symptoms listed above or have any questions, please consult with your doctor. Everyone’s body acts differently. It is always best to discuss with your doctor what is best for your situation.

Causes

What causes hip labral tear?

The cause of a hip labral tear may be:

Injury to or dislocation of the hip joint — which can occur during car accidents or from playing contact sports such as football or hockey — can cause a hip labral tear.

Structural abnormalities. Some people are born with hip problems that can accelerate wear and tear of the joint and eventually cause a hip labral tear.

Repetitive motions. Sports-related and other physical activities — including the sudden twisting or pivoting motions common in golf or softball — can lead to joint wear and tear that ultimately results in a hip labral tear.

Risk factors

What increases my risk for hip labral tear?

Athletes who participate in such sports as ice hockey, soccer, football, golf and ballet are at higher risk of developing a hip labral tear.

Structural abnormalities of the hip also can lead to a hip labral tear.

Diagnosis & treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. ALWAYS consult with your doctor for more information.

How iship labral tear diagnosed?

During the physical exam, your doctor will move your leg, and especially your hip joint, around in various positions to check for pain and evaluate your hip’s range of motion. He or she may also want to watch you walk.

Imaging scans

A hip labral tear rarely occurs in isolation. In most cases, other structures within the hip joint also have sustained injuries. X-rays are excellent at visualizing bone. They can check for fractures and for structural abnormalities.

Detailed images of your hip’s soft tissues can be provided through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A contrast material may be injected into the hip joint space to better define a labral tear if one exists.

Anesthesia injection

Hip pain can be caused by problems within the joint or outside the joint. Your doctor may suggest injecting an anesthetic into the joint space. If this relieves your pain, it’s likely that your problem is inside your hip joint.

How is hip labral tear treated?

Treatment choices will depend on the severity of your symptoms. Some people recover with conservative treatments in a few weeks, while others may require arthroscopic surgery to repair or remove the torn portion of the labrum.

Medications

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve), can relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Pain can also be controlled temporarily with an injection of corticosteroids into the joint.

Therapy

A physical therapist can teach you exercises to maximize hip range of motion and hip strength and stability. Therapists can also analyze the movements you perform that put stress on your hip joint and help you avoid these forces.

Surgical and other procedures

If conservative treatments don’t relieve your symptoms, your doctor may recommend arthroscopic surgery — in which a fiber-optic camera and surgical tools are inserted via small incisions in your skin.

Depending on the cause and extent of the tear, the surgeon may cut out and remove the torn piece of labrum or repair the torn tissue by sewing it back together.

Lifestyle changes & home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can help me manage hip labral tear?

If you have any questions, please consult with your doctor to better understand the best solution for you.